This Phone Script Could Help You Lower Your Monthly Utility Bills

Calling your utility provider may help you find rebates, discounts and other ways to save. Here's what to say when you're on the call.

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An initial draft of this script was created by NerdWallet using automation technology, then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by NerdWallet’s human writers and editors. An initial draft of this script was created by NerdWallet using automation technology, then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by NerdWallet’s human writers and editors. If you’re looking to lower a utility bill, calling a customer service representative can help. (Look for this number on your bill or company website.) You could potentially get a lower bill, or, more likely, find ways to cut costs through rebates and assistance programs. Or you may make charges more predictable and easier to plan for with an alternative payment plan.

Your script for finding ways to save

The script below will help you ask about these opportunities and make your case. When you call, you may have to request to an automated operator that you “speak to a representative” a few times. When you connect with a real person, aim to be kind, but firm. Find more guidance, like how to prepare for a successful call, below the script.

Introduce yourself

"Hi, I’m a customer with [Utility Company]. I’d like to go over my bill and see if there's a way to reduce what I'm paying."

Verify account information

"I can give you my account number when you're ready."

Explain the issue

"My bill has been pretty high recently, and I’m wondering if there’s a way to lower what I’m paying or find another way to save money."

Make your request

"Can you walk me through every option available that might lower my bill?" Consider these four tactics, if applicable: Consider these four tactics, if applicable: Highlight loyalty and payment history Highlight loyalty and payment history "I’ve been a customer for [length of time] and have always paid on time. Is there any discount or loyalty program for long-term customers that I could benefit from?" Keep reading Log in or create a free NerdWallet account for the rest of the script and guidance. LOG IN Explore more on About the authors McMullen Laura McMullen assigns and edits content related to personal loans and student loans. She previously edited money news content. Before then, Laura was a senior writer at NerdWallet and covered saving, making and budgeting money; she also contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press. Before joining NerdWallet in 2015, Laura worked for U.S. News & World Report, where she wrote and edited content related to careers, wellness and education and also contributed to the company's rankings projects. Before working at U.S. News & World Report, Laura interned at Vice Media and studied journalism, history and Arabic at Ohio University. Laura lives in Washington, D.C. Published in NerdWallet An initial draft of this article was created by NerdWallet using automation technology, then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by NerdWallet’s human writers and editors. How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026 Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They Work How to Budget Money in 5 Steps 28 Proven Ways to Save Money How to Lower Your Bills: 45 Ways to Save By Kelsey Sheehy, Laura McMullen, Tiffany Curtis Bill Negotiation: Get a Better Deal on Cable, Internet and More By Tiffany Curtis, Lisa Mulka It’s on You to Figure Out How to Cancel Subscriptions By Tommy Tindall Need Help Paying Bills ASAP? Use This Quick-Help Tool By Liz Weston, CFP®